Impedance transducer

ABSTRACT

An impedance transducer is shown wherein two active elements of the same characteristics are formed on one thermally conductive base, one of these active elements is connected in a negative feedback circuit of a negative feedback amplifier, and the internal impedance of the other of these active elements is proportional to the input of the negative feedback amplifier.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an impedance transducer for obtaining impedance proportional to the input.

Conventionally, a variable resistor is known as a mechanical impedance transducer. However, such transducers are defective in that noise tends to be generated when the slider is moved. Further, resistance may be changed by a switch which is controlled by information stored in a digital memory. However, such a device is complex in construction, and the resistance must be varied in a stepped form. This device also requires an auxiliary device for fine adjustment of the resistance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide an impedance transducer which varies impedance according to the input signal without generating undesirable noise.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an impedance transducer wherein the internal impedance is not affected by the current flowing through the active elements at the output side.

The impedance transducer of the present invention is so constructed that two active elements having the same characteristics are formed on a thermally conductive base, one of these active elements constitutes part of the negative feedback factor of a negative feedback amplifier, and the internal impedance of the other active element is proportional to the input of said negative feedback amplifier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of an impedance transducer having transistors according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention having two field effect transistors and a negative feedback amplifier consisting of a transistor;

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of a fourth embodiment of the present invention having two phototransistors and an emitter diode;

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of a modified example of the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of a further example of the fifth embodiment;

FIGS. 8, 9, 10 and 11 are circuit diagrams of a further example of the fifth embodiment;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are circuit diagrams of dividers using an impedance transducer according to the present invention;

FIGS. 14 and 15 are circuit diagrams of multipliers using an impedance transducer according to the present invention;

FIGS. 16 and 17 are circuit diagrams of a multiplying divider using an impedance transducer according to the present invention;

FIGS. 18 and 19 are circuit diagrams of a sixth embodiment of the impedance transducer of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the output circuit of FIGS. 18 and 19;

FIG. 21 is a view showing the adjustment range of the impedance in these embodiments;

FIGS. 22 and 23 are circuit diagrams of a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the output part of FIGS. 22 and 23;

FIG. 25 is a view showing the adjustment range of the impedance in this embodiment;

FIGS. 26 and 27 are circuit diagrams of sound quality adjusting impedance transducer circuits in accordance with the present invention for use in an audio circuit;

FIG. 28 is an equivalent circuit of the output part;

FIG. 29 is a view showing the adjustment range of the impedance at the output of the circuits shown in FIGS. 26 and 27;

FIGS. 30 and 31 are circuit diagrams of an eighth embodiment of the present invention;

and FIG. 32 is an equivalent circuit diagram of FIGS. 30 and 31.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In FIG. 1 is shown the basic circuit of an impedance transducer in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. An operational amplifier OP has a high input impedance, for either direct current or alternating current, and does not have an input offset voltage. Active elements Q₁ and Q₂ are formed on the same pellet and have substantially the same characteristics. These elements are transistors having, in particular, the same current amplifying ratio β. An input voltage is directly applied to the inverting input of the operational amplifier OP₁ and its output is connected through the resistor R₁ to the base of the transistor Q₁, and through the resistor R₂ to the base of the transistor Q₂. The emitters of the transistors Q₁ and Q₂ are both grounded. The collector of the transistor Q₁ is connected to a constant current source S as well as to the non-inverting input of the operational amplifier OP₁. The operational amplifier OP₁, the transistor Q₁, and the resistor R₁ constitute a negative feedback amplifier. (The resistor R₁ may be eliminated, in which case the resistor R₂ is also eliminated.) When a voltage E_(in) is applied to the inverting input of the operational amplifier OP₁, the output current of the operational amplifier OP₁ flows through the base of the transistor Q₁, and the potential at the collector is equalized with the input voltage E_(in). If the internal impedance between the collector and the emitter of the transistor Q₁ is Z₁, the following equation may be satisfied:

    Z.sub.1 =E.sub.in /I.sub.c                                 (1)

where the operation range of E_(in) is 0≦E_(in) ≦(+) V_(c) and I_(c) is the current flowing from the constant current source S.

The internal impedance Z₁ of the transistor Q₁ is the impedance of the closed loop of the negative feedback amplifier incorporating the operational amplifier OP₁ and the transistor Q₁. Thus, it is impossible to isolate this as a pure impedance so as to utilize it. However, the base current of the transistor Q₁ is the same as that flowing through the transistor Q₂ which is formed on the same pellet and has substantially the same characteristics as the transistor Q₁. It is thus possible to isolate the internal impedance Z₂ of the transistor Q₂, which is equal in value to the internal impedance Z₁ of the transistor Q₁. Since the transistors Q₁ and Q₂ have the same current amplifying ratio β which is the transmission characteristic of the input and the output, the base currents between their collectors and emitters are also equal when an equal current is made to flow through the transistors Q₁ and Q₂. Since the transistors Q₁ and Q₂ are disposed on the same pellet, they receive the same amount of heat from the outside. The heat generated in one of the transistors is immediately transmitted to the other, thus raising the temperature of the other transistor and varying the current amplifying ratio β in the same manner. As a result, the following relation is given:

    Z.sub.out =Z.sub.1 =Z.sub.2 =E.sub.in /I.sub.c             (2)

Since the current I_(c) is constant, it is possible to derive the output impedance Z_(out) which is proportional to the input voltage E_(in). Although the operational amplifier OP₁ was used as a negative feedback amplifier in the above first embodiment, a PNP transistor Q₃ and two field effect transistors are used in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2, and an NPN transistor Q₄ is used in the third embodiment shown in FIG. 3, and they operate in the same manner as described above.

The fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 4. Although transistors were used as the active elements in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-3, phototransistors are used as the active elements in the fourth embodiment. Thus, the output of the operational amplifier OP₁ is the input to a light emitting diode LED. The light emitted in accordance with the magnitude of the current flowing through the light emitting diode LED is input to the phototransistors. The operation is the same as in the case of the first through third embodiments. In the fourth embodiment, since a photocoupler is used, the blocking effects between these two phototransistors PT₁ and PT₂ are improved.

The fifth embodiment is shown in FIG. 5 wherein an analog memory is connected to the input side for linearly varying the impedance. This analog memory comprises a field-effect transistor type operational amplifier OP₂ and a parallel circuit consisting of a switch SW₁ and a capacitor C₁ connected in parallel to the inverting input side and to the output side of the operational amplifier. A switch SW₂, connected through a resistor R₄ to a power source +V or V is connected to the inverting input side. The output of this operational amplifier OP₂ is connected to the impedance transducer, and the input leakage current of this operational amplifier is not considered.

The operation of the circuit shown in FIG. 5 will now be described, neglecting the input offset voltages of the operational amplifiers OP₁ and OP₂. When the non-inverting input E of the operational amplifier OP₂ is taken as 0 volts (the point b is grounded), the potential at the point c is 0 volts when the switch SW₂ is held at its intermediate position (open) and the switch SW₁ is closed. The operational amplifier OP₁ applies a current to the base of the transistor Q₁ to activate the transistor Q₁. The transistor Q₁ is activated and the potential at the point d is kept at 0 volts. The internal impedance Z₁ (resistance between the collector and the emitter) of the transistor Q₁ is given as follows:

    Z.sub.1 =v.sub.d /I                                        (3)

since

    v.sub.d =0,

it follows that

    Z.sub.1 =0Ω

where I is the current supplied from the constant current source S.

A current of the same value simultaneously flows through the base of the transistor Q₂. The inner impedance Z₂ of the transistor Q₂ is thus also 0Ω.

When the switch SW₁ is opened and the switch SW₂ is closed, the current I_(R) =-V/R₄ flows from the point c to the (-V) power source through the capacitor C₁ and the resistor R₄. The potential v_(c) at the point c after the time t is given as follows: ##EQU1## When the switch is again moved to its intermediate position (open), the current flow to the capacitor C₁ stops and the potential at the point c is maintained. The operational amplifier OP₁ acts to control, from the point e, the base current of the transistor Q₁ so that v_(d) =v_(c). The inner impedance of the transistor Q₁ is given by the equation (3). It is also apparent that Z₂ =Z₁. That is, the impedance of the transistor Q₂ is equal to the impedance of the transistor Q₁, and they always vary together. From the above, it is obvious that it is possible to change the inner impedance Z₁ of the transistor Q₁, and therefore the impedance Z₂ of the transistor Q₂, by changing the potential v_(c) at the point c, that is, by changing the voltage across the capacitor C₁.

In order to lower the impedance Z₂ which has been raised once, the switch SW₂ is closed to be connected to the power source (+V). Then the current I_(R) =V/R₄ flows to the point c from the power source (+V) through the resistor R₄ and the capacitor C₁, so that the electric charge at the capacitor C₁ is discharged. When the initial potential at the point c is v_(c0), the potential at the point c after the time t' is given as follows: ##EQU2## Thus, v_(c) ultimately becomes 0 volts.

The above description applies when the potential at the point b is 0 volts, the operational amplifiers OP₁ and OP₂ are ideal, and there is no leakage current from the capacitor C₁. In practice, however, the operational amplifiers OP₁ and OP₂ are not ideal, and there is some leakage current from the capacitor C₁. Thus, when the capacitor C₁ is charged to maintain the impedance Z₂, the potential v_(c) at the point c is decreased after a long period of time, and the impedance Z₂ at the output terminal gradually decreases. In other words, when the capacitor C₁ is discharged and the potential at each terminal of the operational amplifier OP₁ is equal to the potential v_(b), the impedance Z₂ is stabilized. If a biasing voltage E is connected to the point b, the potential at each terminal of the operational amplifier OP₂ is E, that is, the potential at the point c is E, so that an impedance of corresponding magnitude can be obtained in an extremely stable manner.

Accordingly, increasing or decreasing the impedance Z₂ when the biasing voltage E is applied to the point b can be performed in the manner described above. That is, the potential v_(c) at the point c is given as follows: ##EQU3##

FIG. 6 shows modified example of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 5; the output of the operational amplifier OP₁ is applied to a light emitting diode LED, and two phototransistors PT₁ and PT₂ are used instead of the two transistors. The operation is the same as in the case of the fifth embodiment.

In the procedure as described above, there are cases when the operator will want to confirm the magnitude of the impedance Z₂. This may be accomplished by observing the voltage at the point c or the point d, as shown in FIG. 7. The switch SW₁ shown in FIG. 5 was included for ease of explanation, and this may actually be eliminated if the operation range at the point c is regulated. In FIG. 7, OP₃ is an operational amplifier and VM is a voltage meter. The symbol D_(z) signifies a Zener diode for regulating the range of the voltage at the point c (e.g., from 0 volts to the Zener voltage of the Zener diode D_(z)). A diode D is included to prevent the flow of excessive current through the transistors Q₁ and Q₂. The symbol R₅ signifies a current limiting resistor for the Zener diode D_(z). The Zener voltage V_(z) of the Zener diode D_(z) is kept slightly greater than the operating range of the potential V_(d) at the point d.

FIG. 8 shows an example of an impedance transducer used in a volume adjusting device. In FIG. 8, numeral 1 denotes an audio signal input; 2, a preamplifier; 3, a main amplifier; 4, a speaker; and R_(A) is a voltage dividing resistor. The input of the main amplifier 3 is determined by the ratio of the resistance R_(A) to the impedance Z₂ and by the output of the preamplifier 2. This input increases as the impedance Z₂ increases. In this case, assume that the impedance Z₂ (Z_(out)) for outputting a reference volume level (or reference input level of the main amplifier) is Z_(f). Then,

    Z.sub.f =E/I                                               (7)

that is, when the capacitor C is substantially discharged, the impedance Z₂ is stabilized and the volume of sound from the speaker is also stabilized.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a gain control for an operational amplifier in accordance with the present invention. The symbols Q₁ and Q₂ shown in FIG. 9 represent field-effect transistors which correspond to the transistors Q₁ and Q₂ shown in FIG. 5. However, their input resistances are considerably greater than in the case of transistors; hence, they are stable. In FIG. 9, the internal impedance of the field-effect transistor Q₂ varies according to changes in the input from the points d and e. The ratio of this internal impedance to the resistance R_(B) also changes, thus varying the amplifying ratio of the operational amplifier OP₄.

FIG. 10 shows a schematic circuit diagram which is equivalent to the one shown in FIG. 7 without the operational amplifier OP₁. In this case, however, the inverting and non-inverting inputs of the operational amplifier OP₂ must be inverted as compared to the one shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 shows a modified example of the example of FIG. 10, which comprises a light emitting diode LED and two phototransistors PT₁ and PT₂ instead of the transistors Q₁ and Q₂.

FIG. 12 shows a further example of the present invention. The circuit shown within the alternate long and short dash line 6 is the impedance transducer shown in FIG. 1. Symbols Q₁ and Q₂ represent field-effect transistors which are formed close to each other on the same pellet with substantially the same characteristics and substantially the same mutual conductance. The field-effect transistors Q₁ and Q₂ are both grounded at their sources (Q₂ is ideally grounded). Their gates are mutually connected and are connected with the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP₁ through the resistor R₃. The drain of the field-effect transistor Q₁ is connected to the constant current source S as well as to the non-inverting input of the operational amplifier OP₁. The operational amplifier OP₁, the field-effect transistor Q₁, and the resistor R₃ comprise a negative feedback amplifier.

Accordingly, the next equation may be satisfied:

    Z.sub.2 =E.sub.iB /I.sub.c                                 (8)

An operational amplifier OP₅, the internal impedance Z₂ of the field-effect transistor Q₂ and a resistor R_(c) comprise a general inverting amplifier. Thus, the next equation between the input voltage E_(iA) and the output voltage E_(out) is obtained. ##EQU4## Thus, from the equations (8) and (9), ##EQU5## where k₁ =-R₀ I_(c), and the operational ranges of the input voltages E_(iA) and E_(iB) are

    0≦E.sub.iA ≦(+)V

    0≦E.sub.iB ≦(+)V

This describes a divider utilizing the voltage and impedance transducer of the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows a modified divider of the example of FIG. 12, which comprises a light emitting diode LED and two phototransistors PT₁ and PT₂.

FIG. 14 shows another example of the present invention. The circuit shown within the alternate long and short dash line 6 is the same as the circuit shown within the alternate long and short dash line 6 of FIG. 12. Thus, the equation (8) can also be satisfied in this case. The operational amplifier OP₅, the internal impedance Z₂ of the field-effect transistor Q₂, and the resistor R_(i) comprise a general inverting amplifier. Thus, the following relations hold between the input voltage E_(iA) and the output voltage E_(out) : ##EQU6## Thus from the equations (8) and (11), ##EQU7## where k₂ =-(1/R_(i) I_(c)) and the operating ranges of the input voltages E_(iA) and E_(iB) are

    0≦E.sub.iA ≦()V

    0≦E.sub.iB ≦(+)V

This describes a multiplier utilizing the voltage impedance transducer of the present invention.

FIG. 15 shows a modified multiplier of the example of FIG. 14, which comprises a light emitting diode LED and two phototransistors PT₁ and PT₂.

FIG. 16 shows still another example of the present invention. The circuit within the alternate long and short dash lines 6 and the circuit within the alternate long and short dash line 7 are both impedance transducers according to the present invention. The operational amplifier OP₅, the internal impedance Z₂ of the field-effect transistor Q₂, and the internal impedance Z₄ of the field-effect transistor Q₄ comprise an inverting amplifier. Since ##EQU8## it follows that ##EQU9## where K₃ =-(I_(c2) /I_(c1)) and the operating ranges of the input voltage E_(iA), E_(iB) and E_(ic) are

    0≦E.sub.iA ≦(-)V

    0≦E.sub.iB ≦(+)V

    0≦E.sub.iC ≦(-)V

This describes a multiplying divider utilizing the voltage impedance transducer of the present invention.

FIG. 17 shows a modified multiplying divider of the example of FIG. 16, which comprises two light emitting diodes LED₁ and LED₂ and four phototransistors PT₁, PT₂, PT₃ and PT₄.

FIG. 18 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The circuit shown within the alternate long and short dash line 8 is the same as the circuit shown in FIG. 5, and the circuit within the line frame 9 is the same as the circuit shown in FIG. 1. The active elements Q₁ ' and Q₂ ', in this case, have reverse polarity as compared to the elements Q₁ and Q₂. The constant current source S' also has a reverse polarity as compared to that of the constant current source S. The inverting input terminals of the operational amplifiers OP₁ and OP₁ ' are connected to each other through a constant voltage source. As may be seen from the description referring to FIG. 5, the internal impedance Z₂ of the active element Q₂ is proportional to the potential at the point c, and the internal impedance Z₂ ' of the active element Q₂ ' is proportional to the potential at the point c'. The sum of both impedances, Z₂ and Z₂ ', is proportional to the voltage V_(DZ) of the constant voltage source D_(Z) and is constant.

In the circuit shown in FIG. 18, the capacitors C₂ and C₃ are connected in series to the output circuits at the output side of the active elements Q₂ and Q₂, respectively. The circuit of this figure is constructed for high frequency adjustment. The equivalent circuit of the output part of this circuit is as shown in FIG. 20, and its adjusting range is shown in FIG. 21.

FIG. 19 shows a modified example of the example of FIG. 16 which comprises two light emitting diodes LED₁ and LED₁ ' and four phototransistors PT₁, PT₂, PT₁ ' and PT₂ '.

FIG. 22 shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention for low frequency adjustment. The capacitors C₄ and C₅ are connected in parallel to the output side of the active elements Q₂ and Q₂ ', respectively. The equivalent circuit of the output part of this circuit is shown in FIG. 24, and the range of adjustment is shown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 23 shows a modified example of the seventh embodiment, which comprises two light emitting diodes LED₁ and LED₁ ' and four phototransistors PT₁, PT₂, PT₁ ' and PT₂ '.

FIG. 26 shows a volume adjusting impedance transducer circuit of an audio circuit which is a combination of the circuits shown in FIGS. 18 and 23. The equivalent circuit of the output part of this circuit is shown in FIG. 28, and the range of adjustment is shown in FIG. 29.

FIG. 27 shows a modified example of the example shown in FIG. 26, which comprises four light emitting diodes and eight phototransistors.

FIG. 30 shows an eighth embodiment of the present invention. A constant power source is connected to the output terminal of an integrator, that is, between the inverting input terminals of each of the negative feedback amplifiers and ground. The output circuits of the active elements for negative feedback are not connected in series, and the source of the output side active element is connected to a positive power source. When the potential at the point c varies, the internal impedance of the active element Q₂ ' decreases as the internal impedance of the active element Q₂ increases. Since the voltage applied to both active elements is V₂, its equivalent circuit is as shown in FIG. 32. This can conveniently be used for adjusting a bridge.

FIG. 31 shows a modified example of the example of FIG. 30, which comprises two light emitting diodes LED and LED' and four phototransistors PT₁, PT₂, PT₁ ' and PT₂ '.

In summary, in accordance with the present invention, the transistors Q₁ and Q₂ and the field-effect transistors FET₁ and FET₂ are formed on the same pellet so that they can be kept under the condition of the same temperature. Thus, their characteristics can always be kept the same. Therefore, the internal impedance of one of the transistors or field-effect transistors can be taken as the internal impedance of the other. Since the circuit is simple in construction, and can be controlled electronically without involving any mechanical structures, and since the change in the output impedance Z_(out) can be controlled linearly, a conventional circuit which is complex in construction does not have to be used and mechanical troubles or noise rarely occur. Thus, the present invention is able to provide a variable resistor with these features which can obtain an impedance proportional to the difference between a constant potential and the output potential, that is, a certain potential of an integrator. It is also able to provide a variable resistor which can obtain an impedance proportional to a potential derived by subtracting the output potential, that is, a certain potential of an integrator, from a certain voltage. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A variable impedance circuit, comprising:first and second transistors mounted on a common thermally conductive substrate so that said transistors remain at substantially the same temperature, each transistor having two main electrodes and a control electrode means, said transistors exhibiting essentially the same electrical characteristics at said electrodes; a negative feedback amplifier having an input terminal and connected in circuit with said first transistor to vary the impedance between the main electrode means of said first transistor in a predetermined manner in accordance with an impedance control signal applied to said input terminal; a memory circuit coupled to said input terminal of said negative feedback amplifier for setting said impedance control signal at a desired value; and means for maintaining essentially the same electrical condition at each of said control electrode means, so that the impedance presented between the main electrodes of the second transistor is essentially equal to the impedance between the main electrodes of said first transistor.
 2. A variable impedance circuit as claimed in claim 1 wherein said transistors are phototransistors, further comprising a common light emitting diode for optically driving the control electrode means of both said phototransistors.
 3. A variable impedance circuit as claimed in claim 1 wherein said two active elements comprise field-effect transistors.
 4. A variable impedance circuit as claimed in claim 1 wherein said negative feedback amplifier comprises at least one operational amplifier.
 5. A variable impedance circuit as claimed in claim 1 wherein said negative feedback amplifier comprises transistors.
 6. A variable impedance circuit as claimed in claim 1 wherein said memory circuit comprises a capacitor and a switch connected in parallel between the inverting input terminal and the output terminal of an operational amplifier, and a switch for connecting said inverting input terminal to a negative or positive power source.
 7. A variable impedance circuit as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a voltage meter for detecting the impedance of said active element at the output side, said voltage meter being connected through an operational amplifier to a junction point of the input terminal of said negative feedback amplifier and an output terminal of said memory circuit.
 8. The impedance circuit according to claim 1, further comprising a constant current source connected in series with the main electrodes of said first transistor.
 9. An impedance transducer comprising a first group of two field-effect transistors which are formed on one thermally conductive base plate and whose gates are connected to each other; a second group of field-effect transistors which are formed on a thermally conductive base plate and whose polarity is opposite that of the first group and which are similarly connected; two operational amplifiers whose outputs are respectively input to the gates of said field-effect transistors; and a memory circuit comprising an integrator which comprises a capacitor and a high input impedance operational amplifier and whose output is input to each of said operational amplifiers; wherein each of said transistor groups is used for providing a negative feedback amplification for the corresponding one of said two operational amplifiers; means for causing a constant current to flow through the output circuit of one of the transistors of each group for negative feedback amplification, so that an impedance proportional to the potential of the input from said integrator to each of said two operational amplifiers is presented as the internal impedance of the other transistor of each group.
 10. An impedance transducer as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a constant voltage source inserted between the input terminals of each of said two operational amplifiers connected to said integrator, wherein the output circuits of said one transistor of each of the negative feedback transistor groups are connected in series, their junction point is grounded, the output circuits of the other transistors of each of said groups are connected in series, so that an impedance proportional to the difference between the output potential of the integrator and a constant potential is presented across one of said output circuits of said other transistors of one of said groups.
 11. An impedance transducer as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a constant voltage source inserted between the input terminals of each of said two operational amplifiers and ground; means for causing a constant current to flow separately through the output circuits of the negative feedback transistor groups; one terminal of the output circuit of each of said negative feedback transistor groups being connected to a power source of a certain voltage, so that an impedance is presented proportional to the potential derived by subtracting the potential at the output terminal of the integrator from the voltage of said power source. 